Lupus nephritis refers to inflammation of the kidneys caused bysystemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).
Symptoms include foamy urine, blood in the urine,edema, and high blood pressure.
This article describes the signs and symptoms of lupus nephritis.
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It also explains how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
What Causes Lupus Nephritis?
Lupus nephritis is kidney inflammation caused bylupus.
People who have lupus and associated glomerular damage have lupusglomerulonephritis(LGN).
LGN comes up whenever antibodies and complement proteins build up in the kidneys and cause inflammation.
What Are the First Signs of Lupus Nephritis?
Once it’s strongly suspected that you have lupus nephritis, your healthcare provider will order a kidney biopsy.
There are six types of lupus glomerulonephritis that vary in severity.
A biopsy will help identify what throw in of LGN you have.
This diagnosis will help predict the expected course of your kidney problems and guide your treatment.
What Is the Best Treatment for Lupus Nephritis?
If you’re diagnosed with lupus nephritis, your treatment will focus on improving your kidney function.
Summary
Lupus nephritis refers to kidney inflammation and damage due to lupus.
Symptoms include foamy urine, blood in the urine, edema, and high blood pressure.
A kidney biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.
This condition is treated using medications that reduce inflammation and/or alter the immune system.
Blood pressure management and diet also play an important role in treatment.
2023;16(9):1384-1402. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfad055
NIH.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Lupus & kidney disease (lupus nephritis).
